Gerard E. “Gary” “Doc” Kruse, age 76, of Dubuque passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.  To celebrate Gerard’s life, family and friends may visit from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque. Entombment will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Gary was born on July 28, 1950, in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Edward and Kathleen (Hohmann) Kruse.

Gary graduated from Wahlert High School, Class of 1969.  He was employed Mercy Hospital as an X-ray Transporter for 13 years and in Maintenance for 42 years.  He was very devoted to his faith and was a long time member of St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque.  He was also strong supporter of VFW 508 Auxiliary and Camp Courageous.  Gary collected vinyl records, movies, cds and cassette tapes.  He loved fishing and always looked forward to traveling to Canada to fish with his work friends.  Gary was a loyal Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs fan.

Those left to cherish Gary’s memory include

his siblings,
Kathy (Tom) O’Neill, Asbury, IA,
Mary (Meryln) Osterhaus, Dyersville, IA,
Cynthia Kruse, Chandler, AZ
and Kevin (Cindy) Kruse, Dubuque, IA;

and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; and a great-nephew, Judson Osterhaus.

His family would like to thank Dr. Whalen for his years of care, the Dubuque Police Department and his neighbors, Garry and Julie Redman and their family, for their years of support and friendship.

Cards and memorials in Gary’s memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Gary Kruse Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com